Facebook to reverse news ban on Australian sites, government to make amendments to media bargaining code - ABC News

Facebook will walk back its block on Australian users sharing news on its site after the government agreed to make amendments to the proposed media bargaining laws that would force major tech giants to pay news outlets for their content.

Key points:

• Facebook says it is pleased the company could reach an agreement with the government
• The social media giant blocked Australian users from sharing or posting news last week
• The government has announced a series of amendments to the media bargaining laws

It follows days of negotiations between the government and the social media company, including discussions between Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg.

"Mark Zuckerberg said to me today [restoring pages] will occur in coming days," Mr Frydenberg said.

The code is structured so that if Facebook and Google do not sign commercial deals with traditional media outlets the Treasurer can "designate" them, and force them to pay for access to news content.

The government promised to make further amendments to the code, including giving Facebook more time to strike those deals.

via www.abc.net.au